Classic Axes:Brian May's Red Special

 

While still attending school, Brian May built himself a guitar, which he refers to as “The Red Special”. The guitar was built from an 18th century fireplace. 

May not only continues to use that unique guitar, but uses it in an equally unusual way. Instead of a standard guitar pick, Brian prefers to use coins, especially a sixpence. He says that their rigidity gives him more control in his playing.